NowThis Earth's video: Whale Shark Nibbles Snorkelers in the Philippines

These tourists were in for a surprise after a whale shark approached them, mouth open wide. The swimmers, who were snorkeling in the Bohol province of the Philippines on December 8, weren’t expecting such a close encounter with the largest living species of shark. Their guide had to distract it. Russel Lllarena, a tourist, said, ‘I thought it was going to eat us. It was a nice experience to have such close encounters with nature.' Whale sharks, which can reach up to 60 feet long, are in decline and listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Tourism in the Philippines has led to the controversial practice of feeding animals in order to increase the chances of seeing them while diving. » Sign up for our newsletter KnowThis to get the biggest stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox: https://go.nowth.is/knowthis_youtube » Subscribe to NowThis Earth: https://www.youtube.com/channel/nowthisearth Connect with NowThis Earth » Follow us on TikTok: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_TikTok » Follow us on Instagram: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_Instagram » Follow us on Snap: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_Snap » Follow us on Facebook: https://go.nowth.is/Earth_Facebook NowThis Earth is daily news coverage of climate, sustainability, biodiversity, species extinction, environmental justice, and other planetary concerns. NowThis is your premier news outlet providing you with all the videos you need to stay up to date on all the latest in trending news. From entertainment to politics, to viral videos and breaking news stories, we’re delivering all you need to know straight to your social feeds. We live where you live. http://www.youtube.com/nowthisearth @NowThisEarth